Army's Lead Materiel Integrator

The Army Materiel Command's (AMC) designation as Lead Materiel Integrator (LMI) heralds a new method of operating the Army's materiel distribution and redistribution processes by appointing a single manager to ensure that Soldiers have the right equipment at the right time to accomplish their missions.

<b>What has the Army done' </b>

The Secretary of the Army designated AMC as LMI with Army Directive 2011-06, on March 22, 2011. AMC, as the Army's LMI coordinates and integrates timely and cost-effective Army-wide materiel distribution and redistribution solutions with all Army commands and the Reserve Components in accordance with DoD and Army directives and priorities, the Army equipping strategy, and ARFORGEN and generating force demand signals.

<b>What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future' </b>

AMC will look to the Army Sustainment Command to serve as the executing agent for the materiel distribution responsibility. ASC becomes the Army's single materiel readiness synchronization point, working with Army forces to source Army materiel requirements. Employing its Distribution Management Center, Army Field Support Brigades, and Directorates of Logistics, ASC will ensure the right materiel is provided in the right quantity and condition, delivered to the right place at the right time.

A key element of LMI will enter the proof-of-principle stage during an ASC pilot project this month. A new means of distributing materiel, the Decision Support Tool, designed to mine, merge and present data drawn from existing, but disparate sources, will be put to the test.

<b>Why is this important to the Army' </b>

A comprehensive enterprise approach to materiel distribution fosters open communication and is the most effective, most efficient way to generate equipped forces. It will optimize equipment usage throughout its life cycle in an efficient and cost effective method. For the first time, the LMI will integrate the "S" (equipment on hand) and the "R" (maintenance availability) of readiness reporting in a single organization. It provides a single authoritative sourcing solution to equip ARFORGEN rotational units, non-rotational units, and generating force units, and ensures that the equipment is delivered in combat ready status, when needed, to meet unit mission requirements. In the end, a single integrator with visibility across the Army enterprise and throughout the lifecycle of equipment can produce better readiness at best value in support of the nation.